Shall I Be Me?

I thought of a friends love for a Doctor Seuss book and then for some reason this came to mind this morning. I thought to myself, "What Goddess Shall I Be, Maybe I Shall Just Be Me." You see when I was growing up in the entertainment business and it was intruding in all aspects of my life, I used to get compared to many film goddesses "just because." This seemed to be a sort of "old timers" conversation from my fathers generation. He was sixty when I was born and was once a contract player with Warner Brothers Pictures and also a wellknown composer and he dated Katherine Hepburn at one time, so you get the idea. He was always around beautiful women in the industry.

It would always come from my fathers good friends the "old timers," the Frank Sinatras and whoever hung with him, Jose Ferrer who was sort of related in an old type of way (still have not figured out; I think they were sort of half brothers), Mel Ferrer and whoever else would look at me and proclaim to my father... "Hey Henry, your daughter looks like HER. These are some of the old time film goddesses that I was compared to as a young woman.

Sophia Loren, Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth, Dorothy Lamore and Gina Lollobrigida who was good friends with my father and I was supposedly named after. A boyfriend once compared me to Raquel Welch, but I do not see the resemblance at all except maybe our figure or shape, our spirit and our "do it my way" attitude. I can see myself looking more like her as I age, but not when she was younger. There may have been others, but I just do not remember them. Looking back to these wonderful memories, I guess it isn't bad to be compared to these beautiful women even though I used to roll my eyes every time the discussion ensued.

Now, don't get me wrong I did enjoy the attention but in the back of my mind I was being compared to women who were groomed by the industry and were in the public eye 24/7. Just like many women today who do not have studios buying you clothes and the best haircuts by the best Hollywood hairdressers. Although I was in a place like them where I could look my best, buy nice clothes and pay trainers and also get nice haircuts ($200 and something one's, not $800.00 one's), it makes you think of the "reality" of it all. How can a young girl be compared to such an amazing image or photo's of Hollywoods biggest glamour girls without judging themselves?

I see the comments all of the time in the media from normal women that say "if I had the money to order the best trainers and buy the best clothes every day, I would look like that too." Now with HD cameras, it is harder for celebrities to hide their flaws when they are not being made up by a makeup artist or stylist. It is getting harder and harder for people to keep up appearances and frankly it has to be a big pain in the @#$!

Infact I always hate that thing they do on aol when they show a film star looking like they just ate a bug with no make up on and wearing comfortable clothes that most normal people wear. Sad really that people have to be judged because they are famous. Especially after they die. The media always gets worse when a celebrity dies. Sad really because nothing is sacred in Hollywood.

Weight was always an issue and still is for young women who look at these very thin film stars and compare themselves to them. When I was auditioning for many roles when I was younger, I was always tough on myself about my weight and I still am. Comes with the fact that I grew up in LA, was a model at one time, acted on television in my 20's and I still do appearances sometimes when I feel like it for my music career. The stress of competing against so many thin women that never ate anything at many auditions when I was younger sort of left its toll on my psyche as a young girl who was trying to be her best and make a living in a highly competitive industry. Sometimes out of nowhere, I suddenly WAKE UP and say to myself "For What?" or "For Who?" And then I get mad for even thinking that way! I'm still in great shape and have my sexy curves, but I would say that I do look more like an old fashioned movie star in the 40's with lovely full breasts and a nice shapely bum and long legs (my best asset) instead of a modern one (still not sure how much airbrushing is actually going on ; no one will really knows) which I'm fine with. See? I'm even comparing myself to an IMAGE again! ha It just never stops! The reason why I'm writing this article today is to make women look at themselves and say just ONCE...

"I AM AWESOME!"

I look like what most people would call "normal," not anorexic. That is the main reason why I moved my daughter out of Los Angeles. I wanted her to love herself for who she was and never compare herself to anyone else including false images. Hopefully the media doesn't alter her brain one day. She will have a much happier life I am sure. She has never owned or been given a Barbie doll because they are forbidden! Actually her self esteem is right where it should be and I'm really thankful for this.

So, the point of this article is to look at yourself and ask "What Goddess Am I?" Are you the "Goddess Of Love," "The Goddess Of Motherhood," "The Goddess Of Travel," "The Artist Goddess," " The Gourmet Goddess," or "The Everything Goddess." Look in the mirror today and state your claim! Hell, we aren't getting any younger....might as well SPREAD THE WORD and claim our label now! Seriously, SELF LOVE is important. Dress yourself up and go for a walk! Embrace your love for good food and friendship, pick a flower and name it after you! Daisies are MEEZIES!! And rejoice in who you really are because there is no one on this planet like you! You are the "Goddess Of YOU!!!!!!" Amen!

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Hub Pages Author - GPAGE

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Ian Stuart Robertson 21 months agofrom London England

Back again! Forgotten i'd contributed that much but i'm off the mythology realms now and like to associate with Deva's in my own age group.

Author

GPAGE 2 years agofrom California

Hello Limpit! Sorry I missed all of your comments!! Thank you for visiting my GPAGE blog......Appreciate your visit.....Never got any notifications from here. All the best! GPAGE

Ian Stuart Robertson 2 years agofrom London England

I regard the mature adult woman as a level above the male gender because of their ability to procreate offspring. That is not to denigrate the male gender in any way but to raise the Lady to the highest conception. The word 'deva' which i think is of Hindi origin is the word i use to describe a proper lady. Interesting to ponder that in India there are/have been women regarded as goddesses.

Ian Stuart Robertson 2 years agofrom London England

The Goddess of Mercy. Tender, loving and forgiving. If she indeed exists i go to her for comfort and healing.

Ian Stuart Robertson 3 years agofrom London England

Pleasing to see the lead photograph of Sophia Loren who most certainly rates as a 'Screen Goddess' lasting over four decades of popularity. Sophia Loren even admits herself that stardom was down to her 'mystique'.

For me though in personal belief i believe that the planet Earth is a Mother Goddess of us all. In my novelette 'Birth of an Empire' the young Melanie Haartshorn travels to a fabled land and is accepted there as Zhadeep the Goddess of Destiny. Here she only does good for her people.

Ian Stuart Robertson 3 years agofrom London England

Honor Blackman's portrayal of Hera the Queen of gods would have been hard to follow up. Class actress Claire Bloom as Hera in the 1981 Clash of the Titans made the acting of the other Goddesses look dismal.

Ian Stuart Robertson 3 years agofrom London England

The 1964 Jason and the Argonauts in which charming English actress Honor Blackman although not in the staring role but still a central character in the plotline. Miss Blackman convincingly portrayed the Grecian Goddess Hera known as the Queen of Gods on Mount Olympus. Miss Blackman was radiant and exuded authority as expected . In a twist of fate She accompanied the Argo as the ship's wooden figure head which came to life when required.

Ian Stuart Robertson 3 years agofrom London England

Oh! That should read Melina Mercouri. May she repose in peace.

Ian Stuart Robertson 3 years agofrom London England

On Grecian Goddesses, perhaps the late actress Melina Mecourie deservs a mention here.

Ian Stuart Robertson 3 years agofrom London England

Though i can not prove this the concept of Brittania (not thought of as a Goddess) symbolic of our mother land does seem in sculpture, paintings and on coins. She does seem to bear the attributes of the Athena/Minerva deities classicly or even a pre Roman pagan goddess.

I do know that her spear was replaced with the King Neptune type trident because of the Admiralty's navigational chart work and some significant naval victories.

Author

GPAGE 3 years agofrom California

I look a lot like women in that era.....have always been compared to Italian actresses of that time......thank you for your comments limpet.....I have learned about new people......LOVE learning new things......thanks again!! GPAGE

Ian Stuart Robertson 3 years agofrom London England

My list of Goddesses were all Italian actresses from the 1950 s era when the films were not always in the English language but these Ladies had style and panache. Rosanna Podesta portrayed Helen in one of the Helen of Troy epics whilst Sylvanna Magnana played a dual role as Circe the soceress and Penelope the wife patiently awaiting the return of Ulysses. Oh, i ommited Gia Scala from my original list.

Now for the Grecian Goddesses. While studying 'that Scottish play' in high school, a new (for me) character to emerge was Hekate who confronted and had some confrontation with the wyerd sisters. Hekate was also the guardian of all crossroads, may have (not sure)been a patron of childbirth and i don't think a Goddess to be trifled with!

Author

GPAGE 3 years agofrom California

Interesting.....I never have heard of these women....I look a lot like them though......

Ian Stuart Robertson 3 years agofrom London England

Pier Angeli Claudia Cardinale

Rosanna Podesta Elsa Martinelli

Daniella Rocca Virna Lisi

Lucianna Paluzzi Monica Vitti

are the Goddesses of my phantasy realm during adolesence. The qualification for Goddess is beauty, poise and dignity. I would have been the willing slave of any one of them.

Ian Stuart Robertson 3 years agofrom London England

I'm compiling a list of the most beautiful Italian actresses of all time.

They had a 'lot' going for them with an almost aristocratic regal bearing. Lets start with Sylvanna Magnina; more to follow.

Author

GPAGE 6 years agofrom California

Thank you HCC!!! So lovely......GPAGE

Elena@LessIsHealthy 6 years ago

I believe I like Gina...

Author

GPAGE 7 years agofrom California

E! It is so wonderful to wake up to a lovely comment from you! You have made me smile and feel great today already! THANK YOU!!! I'm working on a fantasy hub right now to post soon.....

I really want to write the next Blade Runner!!!!!! ha Gx

epigramman 7 years ago

What Goddess shall I be? Well you are all of them in a package which makes you one incredible woman!!!!

Author

GPAGE 7 years agofrom California

You are too sweet epigramman! Thank you so much for your lovely comment...

YOU have made my day and have made me feel great!!!! G

epigramman 7 years ago

well you are a goddess to me in every sense of that word: you rock my world - and for many others too!

When are they putting you on the HOLLYWOOD Walk of Fame?

Author

GPAGE 7 years agofrom California

JAMES! You really made me giggle! I know, I'm trying to understand that a girl can't have everything! ha Except a whole lot of sexy PASSION!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for your lovely understanding.........and your prayers will be held close to my heart right near my full....ha Best, G

James A Watkins 7 years agofrom Chicago

This is yet another fine article written by you, G. I enjoyed it and I get. I did start to feel sort of sorry for you thought what with being saddled with "lovely full breasts and a nice shapely bum, and long legs." Everybody has their cross to bear. Just buck up and be strong. I'll pray for you.

Author

GPAGE 7 years agofrom California

epigramman...lovely to see you here! Thank you so much for leaving such a positive comment! Best, GPAGE

Author

GPAGE 7 years agofrom California

Pamela...thank you so much for stopping by and letting me know you enjoyed this hub. You are right "Pobody's Nerfect." ha Best, G

epigramman 7 years ago

if you are a goddess then your hubs make me feel like a God or one lucky SOB (for doing so)

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

GPAGE, I thought this was an excellent hub. We should all embrace our inner goodness. All those beauties from the past ar gorgeous but no one's life is perfect. Great hub.

sportman 7 years ago

but the best one,gina lollobrigida

Author

GPAGE 7 years agofrom California

YES HH! We must all embrace our INNER GODDESS! We must toast to our own individuality! LIFE IS TOO SHORT! Have a beautiful day!!!!!! G

HappyHer 7 years agofrom Cleveland, OH

What an excellent hub! So many women grow up comparing themselves to the great beauties and feel that they come up short, but I believe there are no ugly women. Some lazy ones perhaps, but no ugly ones. Thanks for reminding me to connect to my own Goddess!

Author

GPAGE 7 years agofrom California

Z...You are right, it is hard for young women when there is so many not normal size women in the media. I noticed in Europe that the ads were a bit better in targeting women using more normal size models (except for fashion ofcourse).

I just shot photos of a few young girls and it was amazing how many things they said about themselves in a negative way. It was really hard work for me to make them feel good about themselves.....they were all so lovely 2. Sad really. Well, "onwards and upwards".....G

Zsuzsy Bee 7 years agofrom Ontario/Canada

It always makes me angry when I see ads on TV and magazines of the typical anorexic models of today. Teens have a hard enough time growing up without having image-issues thrown at them too. It's happening everywhere but I can see that these would be major issues in LA.

You seem to have your head on your shoulders the right way.

once again a great hub

regards Zsuzsy

Author

GPAGE 7 years agofrom California

THANK YOU SO MUCH PRASETIO!! I really appreciate your friendship and lovely words. I do write from my heart and I always want to inspire people! It makes me feel like I have helped in some little way....in someones life. I AM THE "GODDESS WITH THE BIG HEART!!!!!!" You have named me my GOOD friend!!!!

Blessings to you always!!!......G

prasetio30 7 years agofrom malang-indonesia

I never regret to be your friend and I am proud to be your friend. All the beauty comes from your heart. You are my GODDESS, I never doubt about that. Very inspirational, my friend. I really enjoy all inside this hub. I give two thumbs up for your passion here. God bless you!

Prasetio

Author

GPAGE 7 years agofrom California

Thank you Hilary! I love to inspire and share the love!!!!! G

HILARY NATHAN 7 years ago

How wonderful it is that you seemed to sense, from an early age, what was real; what was was phony and what was important to your own integrity and you soul. What is even more compelling is the way you have used your 'gift' to empower all of those who's lives you touch! Thank you!!! Hilary Nathan